Appointed Committees

CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT AD HOC COMMITTEE September 27, 2016 Page 1 Committee Members Present: Mark Jantzer, Dave Lehner, Shannon Straight, Scott Knudsvig, Lianne Zeltinger Members Absent None Others Present: Alderman Podrygula, Alderman Kossan, Alderman Hedberg, Kelly Matalka, Cindy Hemphill, Kelly Hendershot, Stefanie Stalheim, Lisa Jundt, Derek Hackett Chairman Jantzer brought the meeting to order at 12:00 pm. Chairman Jantzer reminded those in attendance to submit any thoughts or considerations to the City Clerk prior to the meeting in order to be reviewed. He also stated, the work of the committee is part of a larger process where the recommendations they come up with will be submitted to City Council for final approval. After the election in June 2017, the new City Council can amend policies as necessary. The goal of the committee is to establish a framework in applicable ordinances which are affected by changing Council from fourteen members with a non-voting Mayor to six and one voting Mayor. Alderman Lehner requested any comments be submitted as early as possible in order to give the committee adequate time for research and consideration. Committee member Lianne Zeltinger stated, as a citizen and political outsider, she appreciates city staff for their efforts in creating a pathway for the committee. She said, she still has concerns over the manner in which the committee got to this point but does not want to gloss over important issues. She requested the committee spend adequate time on discussion to give a more solid view of the future. Alderman Straight expressed his agreement with Ms. Zeltinger and assured the intention behind the petition was not to be taken personally. He said he would like more comfortable setting for communication and for citizen input during the meeting. Approval of Minutes Committee member Knudsvig moved the committee approve the minutes from the September 13, 2016 committee meeting. Motion seconded by Alderman Lehner and carried unanimously by a roll call vote. Approval of Ordinance from September 13, 2016- Majority and Super-Majority Voting Alderman Lehner moved that the committee recommend that the City Council pass an ordinance Amending Chapter 2 (Administration), Article II (City Council), Division 1 (Generally), Section 2-16 And Amending Chapter 11 ½ (Elections), Section 11 ½ -2 (Special Elections) Of The City Of Minot Code Of Ordinances. Motion seconded by Alderman Straight and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Knudsvig, Lehner, Straight, Zeltinger. nays: none CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT AD HOC COMMITTEE September 27, 2016 Page 2 Alderman Lehner moved that the committee forward its recommendation to approve an ordinance to the Planning Commission, who will make a recommendation to the full City Council, relating to the proposed ordinance Amending Chapter 30 (Administrative Procedures), Subsections 30-2(H) (Variances), 30-3(E) (Conditional Use Permits), 30-5(C) And (I) (Text Amendments and Zoning District Changes), and 30- 7(C) (Annexation) of The City of Minot Zoning Ordinances. Motion seconded by Alderman Straight and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Knudsvig, Lehner, Straight, Zeltinger. nays: none The committee discussed the positive and negative aspects of submitting ordinance changes as they are voted on by the committee or waiting until all items have been decided. It was determined the committee should send items as they are discussed in order to peak some interest to the public and hopefully gain more input. Committee member Knudsvig moved the committee forward items to City Council for approval as they come out of committee rather than all at once after all decisions have been made. Motion seconded by committee member Zeltinger and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Knudsvig, Lehner, Straight, Zeltinger. nays: none Terms of Council Alderman Lehner moved the committee adopt the terms of Council as depicted in Resolution no. 3489 and outlined in the staff recommendation. Motion seconded by committee member Zeltinger. Ms. Zeltinger asked if the top six candidates could get the option to choose whether they wanted the one year term or the three year term. Alderman Lehner said, if that was the case, all six may choose the same term length. Alderman Jantzer reminded the committee, those details were outlined in the resolution adopted by City Council in March. Alderman Lehner brought up a point of possible concern that Council members could be elected with a very small percentage of votes if a majority of the votes go to a few candidates. Alderman Kossan stated, he was a write in candidate that only received 55 votes but he still has the desire to be there and put in as much effort as someone who received more votes. Upon questioning regarding an election tie, the City Attorney stated, State law has a provision for ties. Whereupon a vote was taken on the above motion by Alderman Lehner, seconded by Zeltinger and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Knudsvig, Lehner, Straight, Zeltinger. nays: none The committee discussed the idea of term limits. Points were brought up regarding community involvement, the decision of the voters, and the possibility that there would not be enough candidates interested in running. There were no comments vehemently suggesting term limits so it was said, the issue can be brought up at a later time if necessary. CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT AD HOC COMMITTEE September 27, 2016 Page 3 Election Issues Committee member Knudsvig moved that the committee recommend that a special election to elect the six at-large aldermen take place on June 13, 2017; that nominating petitions for the special election be circulated after January 1, 2017; that the nominating petition and statement of interests be submitted to the city auditor by four p.m. on April 10, 2017; and that no more than fifty-nine signatures be required for the special election nominating petitions. Motion seconded by Alderman Lehner and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Knudsvig, Lehner, Straight, Zeltinger. nays: none Ms. Zeltinger suggested, if someone is serious about running, they should be required to get at least 250 signatures. Alderman Straight said it should be similar to the Park Board and School Board, both which require 300 signatures. He added, the interaction with citizens should be part of the process. Mr. Knudsvig moved the motion be amended to include 300 signatures are necessary for the nominating petition. Motion seconded by Alderman Straight. The City Attorney clarified, the nomination petition requirements for the Park Board are based on similar state law and that the School Board does not have a signature requirement for nomination petitions. David Emery came forward to say, if the intent of the changes is to get more people involved, too many signatures may discourage people from running. Alderman Jantzer responded by saying, in a city-wide election, citizens are encouraged to work for a nomination, the intention is not to discourage petitions. Committee members agreed, there is adequate time and a large area to cover and 300 signatures is fair. Whereupon a vote was taken on the amendment by committee member Knudsvig, seconded by Alderman Straight and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Knudsvig, Lehner, Straight, Zeltinger. nays: none Whereupon a vote was taken on the original motion by committee member Knudsvig, seconded by Alderman Lehner, as amended, and carried by the following roll call vote: ayes: Jantzer, Knudsvig, Lehner, Straight, Zeltinger. nays: none Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:59 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Kelly Matalka City Clerk